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Factors influencing the inclusion of oral health education in individualized education plans of children with autism spectrum disorders in Singapore
Author(s) -
Tong Huei Jinn,
Lee Hei Yi,
Lee Ying Ting,
Low Yuxuan,
Lim Cassandra Ruiqi,
Nair Rahul
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1111/ipd.12257
Subject(s) - medicine , autism , inclusion (mineral) , special education , pediatrics , family medicine , psychiatry , pedagogy , psychology , gender studies , sociology
Background Prevention of oral diseases in children with autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) is possible via incorporation of oral health education ( OHE ) into individualized education plans. Objectives To assess (i) whether training can improve teachers’ oral heath knowledge, (ii) whether OHE is taught to children with ASD , and (iii) factors associated with teachers’ perceived barriers to the implementation of OHE . Design Teachers working in special schools were recruited. Two pre‐tested questionnaires were administered, before and after a training session. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated. Teachers were also surveyed on their teaching of caries prevention and perceived barriers of teaching OHE . Results There was a significant increase in knowledge scores post‐intervention ( P < 0.001). Teachers were more likely to incorporate OHE into their teaching if trained by dental professionals ( P = 0.022) and provided teaching materials ( P = 0.001). Teachers’ level of baseline OHE knowledge was a predictor and significantly negatively associated with levels of perceived overall and personal barriers (both P < 0.001). Conclusion OHE is included in the curriculum of the schools surveyed, but this is very limited. The training programme increased teachers’ oral health knowledge competence scores. Levels of knowledge, lack of training, and teaching materials are barriers to incorporating OHE in their teaching curriculum.